Bitwise Lists the First NEAR Native ETF With Staking Rewards
Bitwise launched the first NEAR Protocol-native ETF with staking rewards on September 29, 2026, offering U.S. investors regulated spot exposure and yield in a single account. The fund charges a 0.75% annual fee, and its performance will depend on the staking income distributed. Bloomberg ETF analyst Eric Balchunas highlighted the launch, which drew attention from the crypto ETF community. The fund's success could pave the way for similar products tied to other proof-of-stake networks.
How this was made
The 30-second read
Why it matters
The launch creates a new avenue for retail and institutional investors to gain NEAR exposure without managing wallets, likely boosting NEAR demand and price.
Market read
Introduces a novel crypto investment vehicle that could drive inflows into NEAR and influence the broader crypto ETF market.
What to watch
Regulatory scrutiny of crypto ETFs could affect the product's longevity and investor confidence.
Background
Bitwise's new NEAR ETF combines spot exposure with native staking rewards, a first in the U.S. market.
Ticker impact
Bitwise launched the first regulated spot NEAR Protocol ETF that also distributes staking rewards, a new product for U.S. investors.
upward pressure as investors allocate capital to the new NEAR‑USD product
First‑of‑its‑kind offering creates a convenient access point, and staking yield adds appeal, driving demand for NEAR.
Market effects
May spur other crypto asset managers to launch similar staking‑attached spot ETFs, expanding the crypto ETF sector.
Provides U.S. investors direct exposure to a layer‑one blockchain, potentially increasing NEAR trading volume on U.S. exchanges.
Sets a precedent for regulated, yield‑bearing crypto products worldwide.
Counterpoint
If staking yields prove lower than expected, the ETF's fee could deter investors, limiting price upside.
Key entities
- companyBitwise
Asset manager launching the NEAR ETF.
- cryptoNEAR Protocol
Layer‑1 blockchain underlying the ETF.
